Keeping Emailing Affiliates in Check

Running an affiliate program without any rules is sort of like running down an icy hill that is covered in cooking oil - you are going down and you are going down fast. In an attempt to reign in affiliate spammers, the FTC is requiring several companies (porn companies for those keeping track) to keep detailed records on their affiliate marketers.

These companies are required to obtain a name, address and a working phone number for each affiliate and sub-affiliate who markets their advertising. In addition to that, one week before a campaign launches, affiliate must certify to the companies how each e-mail address on their list was obtained along with details of the message content.

Affiliate managers would do well to keep their emailing affiliates in check by requiring this information up front (contact or payment information) and limit offers to those pre-established by the company in-house. Doing so may very well increase overall response rates and keep you out of trouble with the fine folks at the FTC.